A partnership between Norfolk State University (NSU) and the Virginia Science Technology Engineering and Applied Mathematics (STEAM) Academy will help to fill the nation’s call for more scientists, engineers and technology innovators. The Virginia STEAM Academy is a proposed public, statewide initiative.

Under the agreement, the University pledges to support the STEAM Academy by providing science, technology, engineering, applied mathematics, health and humanities mentors to students, along with sabbatical experiences to STEAM Academy faculty. NSU teachers in training who are pursuing their math, science or gifted education endorsement will have an opportunity to conduct their clinical training at the Virginia STEAM Academy. Norfolk State University further pledges to lend its curriculum development and grant writing expertise to pursue opportunities that will benefit both parties.

The Academy commits to use its best efforts to provide highly able students to participate in the University’s prestigious and rigorous Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS) scholars program. “This is a win-win for the University and STEAM Academy,” said NSU President Tony Atwater.

Through the partnership, STEAM Academy students and faculty will aspire to serve on research teams under the direction of Norfolk State faculty at the University’s Micro- and Nano-technology Center (MiNaC). MiNaC gives students access to state-of-the art equipment for training in engineering and technology. MiNaC boasts the only cleanroom in the region. Such a facility is needed to develop micro- and nano-scale technologies, including sensors, devices, and advanced materials.